Shadows of the Sect

Li Yuan lay awake in his small wooden room, staring at the ceiling. Luo Xin's words echoed in his mind.

"There is a hidden faction within the Four Seasons Sect."

"If they've noticed you, then you're in danger."

His grip tightened over the thin blanket covering him. Danger was nothing new—ever since his arrival in this world, he had faced near-death experiences. But this was different. This was not just a fight in the arena or an ambush by some jealous disciples.

This was something lurking in the very foundation of the sect.

But why him?

The crimson energy in his veins—his strange martial spirit—what was it? And why did Luo Xin believe it was tied to the disappearance of her brother?

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.

He quickly sat up, heart pounding. It was the middle of the night—who could it be?

Standing up, he approached the door cautiously. He did not sense any hostility, but after what he had learned, he wasn't about to take chances.

Slowly, he opened the door.

A young boy, no older than twelve, stood before him, panting as if he had run a great distance. His robes were that of an errand disciple—those responsible for carrying messages and running simple tasks for higher-ranked members.

"Senior Brother Li," the boy gasped, bowing quickly. "You have been summoned."

Li Yuan frowned. "Summoned? By who?"

The boy swallowed. "Elder Han of the Internal Affairs Hall."

Elder Han.

Li Yuan had heard the name before. He was not the head of the sect, but he was powerful—an enforcer of the sect's rules, known for his strict discipline and ability to see through lies.

Why would Elder Han want to see him?

His first thought was that Luo Xin had been right.

Someone had taken notice of him.

But he could not refuse.

"Lead the way," he said, grabbing his outer robe and stepping into the cool night.

---

The Internal Affairs Hall stood at the heart of the sect, a towering stone structure with high walls and large crimson banners. It was a place feared by most disciples—those who entered rarely left unscathed.

The errand disciple left him at the entrance, bowing hurriedly before vanishing into the shadows.

Two armored sect guards flanked the large wooden doors. As Li Yuan approached, one of them pushed the doors open without a word, motioning for him to enter.

Inside, the hall was dimly lit by flickering torches. The walls bore intricate carvings of past sect masters, their stone faces stern and unyielding. The scent of incense hung in the air, thick and heavy.

At the center of the room sat Elder Han.

He was an older man with long silver hair, his deep-set eyes like still water, giving nothing away. He wore dark blue robes embroidered with silver patterns, and in his hand rested a long wooden staff—its surface covered in ancient inscriptions.

Li Yuan bowed respectfully. "Disciple Li Yuan greets Elder Han."

The elder studied him for a long moment, his fingers lightly tapping the surface of the staff.

"You have drawn quite a bit of attention lately," Elder Han said finally. His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight.

Li Yuan remained silent.

"You arrived at the sect under strange circumstances. No known background, no family ties to cultivation. And yet, in mere days, you have displayed exceptional combat abilities."

The elder leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Li Yuan… What exactly are you?"

The air grew tense.

Li Yuan met the elder's gaze, his mind racing. He could not reveal the truth—not when he himself barely understood it.

"I am just a disciple of the Four Seasons Sect," he said evenly.

Elder Han's fingers tapped the staff again. "A mere disciple… who possesses strength far beyond his peers? Who awakens power without guidance? Who enters a forbidden zone of the sect and emerges stronger?"

Li Yuan's eyes narrowed.

So they had been watching him.

Elder Han continued, "Do you believe in fate, Li Yuan?"

Li Yuan hesitated. "Fate is just a word men use to explain what they do not understand."

The elder chuckled softly. "A wise answer. But wisdom alone will not protect you."

He stood, his robes billowing slightly as he moved. "Your power is unrefined, yet dangerous. There are those who will see you as a threat. There are those who may seek to use you. And there are those… who will seek to destroy you."

Li Yuan felt a cold chill at the words.

"But you are not entirely without protection," Elder Han continued. "The sect values talent. And you, Li Yuan, are… intriguing."

The elder motioned toward the door. "Your next match in the outer disciple tournament is tomorrow. Win it, and you will be granted access to higher-level cultivation resources."

Li Yuan frowned. "You called me here just to tell me this?"

Elder Han's gaze sharpened. "No. I called you here to warn you."

The elder stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "Someone is watching you, Li Yuan. Someone outside the sect."

Li Yuan's breath caught.

"Who?"

Elder Han did not answer immediately. Instead, he extended a sealed scroll. "Take this. Open it when you are alone."

Li Yuan accepted the scroll cautiously.

The elder studied him one last time. "Be careful, young one. The path ahead of you is steep… and the fall is long."

With that, the doors creaked open behind him.

Li Yuan bowed once more before stepping out into the night.

The moment he was alone, he unrolled the scroll.

Inside was a single line.

"The Scarlet Hand moves in the shadows. Beware."

Li Yuan's pulse quickened.

The Scarlet Hand?

The name was unfamiliar, but something about it sent a strange sense of unease through him.

Someone outside the sect was involved. Someone dangerous.

And now, they knew about him.

Clutching the scroll tightly, Li Yuan exhaled slowly.

He had come to this world with nothing. But now, he had enemies lurking in the darkness.

If he wanted to survive, he would need to grow stronger.

Fast.